Olive oil of the highest category (extra virgin) is essentially freshly squeezed olive juice, which professionals call first–pressed oil. This oil is obtained by cold pressing the fruits and separating the excess liquid in a centrifuge. Fresh olive is a capricious product, and within a day after harvesting it begins to oxidize, lose its shape, taste and aroma, so olives are turned into oil as close as possible to the place of collection and never transport fruits over long distances. This means that the first-pressed oil retains the unique aroma of olives of the region where it was made. Notes of flowers and fruits, artichokes and fresh grass.
Such a bright personality requires careful handling: extra virgin olive oil works best in its natural form at room temperature in salads, appetizers, sauces and even in cold desserts. Many manufacturers enrich its notes with additional flavors – basil, lemon zest, garlic, dried tomatoes and truffle. So the oil turns into a ready-made refined dressing. It is enough to dip a piece of ciabatta in olive oil with the aroma of noble white truffle to feel a powerful polyphony of flavors.
Olive Oil for Frying
Many home cooks are sure that frying and stewing in extra virgin olive oil is not right. From the heat, fragile natural flavors are destroyed, the oil changes texture and color, and the piquant bitterness turns into outright bitterness. But this is only partially true. In fact, the so–called “smoking point” (that is, the temperature limit after which all of the above irreversible processes begin to occur in the oil) even in first-pressed oil is quite high – up to 180 ° C, depending on the acidity of the product. In other words, if the dish is slowly languishing or baked in the oven with gentle heating, extra virgin oil releases all its flavor and transmits it to the products, which is exclusively beneficial for fish, meat or vegetables. This is the secret, for example, of the Provencal ratatouille – only mixed vegetables cooked in “virgin” olive oil turn into a luxurious, fragrant southern sun whole.
But if we are talking about high temperatures – deep-frying or frying in a hot frying pan, then the temperature shock will kill all living things. For these purposes, it is logical to use refined olive oil: it is sold both in pure form and mixed with a small amount of extra virgin (usually in a percentage ratio of 80:20). This oil is a workhorse in the kitchen, it is more affordable and absolutely universal, suitable for salad dressings and frying in a frying pan. Due to the high density, olive oil practically does not penetrate into the product during frying. And this is good news for those who want to eat a ruddy steak and observe the principles of a healthy diet: after frying, it is easy to remove excess olive oil with a paper towel.
It is worth considering that due to the high density, olive oil practically does not penetrate into the product during frying. The only thing to avoid is deep–frying and a hot frying pan
To be honest, I’ve never cooked paella before, for me it was something unprecedented, difficult and unattainable, but after cooking it for the first time, I couldn’t stop!!! Everything was so simple and so delicious that I started experimenting. I’ll show you my favorite option!!!
Mussels have been harvested on the coast for thousands of years. In the menu of the small coastal restaurants of Tessalonika you can find numerous dishes of mussels… This dish is consonant with Spanish paella, but, nevertheless, it is original and unique!
A great option for lunch on the long-awaited Sunday, hooray – you will be able to taste fish and seafood!!! It is prepared easily and unpretentiously. And the taste is just great.
Don’t you like mussels? Yes, you just don’t know how to cook them. Obviously, this is a joke. But I still want to offer you a simple composition and preparation of a salad that will change your attitude to these seafood.
A very bright, summer and healthy salad of grilled chicken breast, strawberries, sweet plums and delicate lemon-flavored dressing! Be sure to try it, you will not remain indifferent!
Mussel meat is characterized by a pleasant delicate taste, high nutritional value and highly effective medicinal properties, it is useful for improving metabolism, stimulating the process of hematopoiesis, increasing overall tone, strengthening immunity. It is also recommended for various blood diseases, high radiation. Mussel meat is characterized by a high content of glycogen and minerals.
While everyone is sleeping, I got up quietly and made myself a small breakfast. Quick and easy. True to the smell of the resort, and the rest have to do more.
Mussels in tomato sauce according to a recipe from Italy. Often ordered in restaurants. Cooking at home is also easy and unpretentious. The taste of tomatoes and fish. Try to cook.
The indescribable, delicate taste of mussels combined with sweet and sour sauce and notes of garlic and cilantro. It is well suited on mild days of fasting. And for a romantic dinner – just a fairy tale. It’s very tasty.
The recipe was invented and implemented by her beloved husband. I stole it with his consent. Suitable for both potatoes and rice. And it can be used as an independent dish. Try this and you will cook.